Antoine Sibierski has a simple message for any player struggling to cope with life at Newcastle United - put your heart and soul into it and the Toon Army will never forget you.

However, the former striker has warned Newcastle chiefs that the club is in danger of losing their “identity” on the field unless they get their act together in the boardroom.

The Frenchman did not arrive at St James’ Park to any fanfare or a reception akin to his former team-mates such as Nobby Solano or Michael Owen. But after putting his body on the line for the black and white cause he won over the United fans and became the cult hero of the 2006/07 season. Sibierski played a key part in helping the club reach the latter stages of the old UEFA Cup.

Having watched the current crop of Newcastle players splutter to a 15th place finish he has sympathy for the likes of Remy Cabella and Manu Riviere, who he believes need more time to show their worth on Tyneside.

Sibierski told the Chronicle: “As a club you must make sure that you don’t lose your identity because the fans needs to recognise that in the players on the pitch.

Newcastle United's Remy Cabella looks dejected during the game against Arsenal at St James' Park

“You need to be committed and have the right attitude and mentality, AND be a good player as well. That is what is expected from the fans.”

Looking back over the season that has just passed – which included an EIGHT game losing streak – Sibierski said: “It’s not what you expect at a club like Newcastle United.

“It’s a big club and I have always said that. The fans expect at least to be in the first 10 in the Premier League table. It has been a strange season for the club.

“They have got a few players who they brought in last year and they need to adapt to English football maybe need more time than others.

“I am talking about players like Remy Cabella and Manu Riviere. They are good players but we can’t say they had a great season, so they need more time to adapt.

“There was a change in manager too, Alan Pardew left and John Carver came in. You can’t blame anybody, sometimes you just have a season when nothing works out.

“What you have to do is quickly bring back a bond back and make sure you are going forward in the right direction.”

Sibierski has already backed his old pal Patrick Vieira to be a success at St James’ Park but he does not believe that the club should have to turn to a French boss in order to get the best out of their stars from his home country.

He said: “A French manager would be good but whoever you are you must respect the manager whoever he is. You need to deal with the players you have in your squad.

“There are many French players at the club. Some have achieved some good things for Newcastle some have taken time to settle.

“I think whatever player you have you must deal with them.”

Sibierski scored some memorable winning goals for Newcastle in the Premier League and the UEFA Cup.

Looking back he said: “For me it was my best year of football in England. In terms of football, pleasure and the players around me.

“The relationship with the fans also made it one of the best years of my career. It was a great feeling for me.

“When I signed nobody expected it and Glenn Roeder was the only one who wanted me. The chairman didn’t want me or the players. The previous year I hadn’t had a great season for Man City.

“I was also arriving on a free transfer and when you sign for Newcastle sometimes people want to see a transfer fee and people expect a fee to mean you are a good player.

“But after three months it settled down and I think the fans saw me as a player with the right attitude and character. I scored goals and made a few as well, it wasn’t bad for somebody who was free. My only regret was that I didn’t play there for longer.”